[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 21st (local time), the U.S. government announced an additional military aid package worth $1.85 billion (about 2.3 trillion KRW) to Ukraine, coinciding with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. For the first time, Patriot missiles capable of intercepting missiles at long range were included in the support.
According to the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on the same day, "As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine's critical infrastructure, the United States welcomes President Zelensky's visit to the U.S." and announced this military aid plan. The aid includes one battery of Patriot missiles, missiles, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), additional anti-radar missiles, and 37 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
In particular, the highly advanced Patriot missile system, superior to existing air defense systems, is being provided for the first time. The Patriot missile, with a range of 70 to 80 km, can shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles at high altitudes, making it a requested item that the Ukrainian government has continuously sought. According to The Washington Post (WP), one battery of Patriot missiles includes eight launchers capable of firing 4 to 16 missiles. The U.S. also plans to train Ukrainian forces on operating the Patriot missile system in a third country, with Germany currently considered the most likely location.
Secretary Blinken emphasized, "Over the past 300 days, Russia has tried to erase Ukraine from the map but failed, and now it is weaponizing winter to expose Ukrainian citizens to cold and hunger," adding, "By providing Patriot missiles capable of intercepting cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and aircraft, the defense capability will dramatically improve compared to previous air defense systems."
As a result, the total support to Ukraine since the Biden administration took office has increased to $21.9 billion (about 28.2 trillion KRW). However, concerns have been raised that with the Republican Party, which is negative about aid to Ukraine, gaining the majority in the House of Representatives in last month's U.S. midterm elections, there may be increased scrutiny over future support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who made a surprise visit to the U.S. on this day, is currently holding a summit with President Biden. The two leaders will hold a joint press conference after the summit. Afterwards, President Zelensky will visit the U.S. Congress to deliver a joint address to both the House and Senate.
In his remarks with President Biden, Zelensky said in English, "Thank you for your great support and leadership. I am grateful to the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress and the American people," stating that Ukraine was able to defend itself thanks to U.S. support. He also added, "The war is not over." At this event, he also presented President Biden with a military medal he received from a Ukrainian captain.
Earlier, upon arrival in the U.S., Zelensky released a statement via Telegram saying, "I express my gratitude to the American people, the President, and Congress for their support, and I came to Washington today to cooperate for victory," and "I will conduct a series of negotiations to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and defense capabilities."
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